Hiba Mahamadi 15 October 2018

Councils warn £1bn is at risk of being returned to EU

Nearly £1bn earmarked for local investment will be lost if the Government does not act soon, the Local Government Association (LGA) has warned.

Some £914m of the European Social Fund (ESF), which is the EU’s main investment in employment, skills and training in member states, will be returned if it is not spent within the next two years.

The LGA has raised concerns about the Government’s slow pace of allocating the fund, of which more than half remains unspent.

Chairman of the LGA’s Brexit taskforce, Cllr Kevin Bentley, said councils will face massive financial shortfalls if this isn’t done.

He added: ‘This funding has been used by local areas to create jobs, support small and medium enterprises, deliver skills training, and invest in critical transport and digital infrastructure, and boost inclusive growth across the country.’

The fund has been described as a 'lifeline' for development at a local level but it can only be allocated by central government.

Smith Square has called for this power to be transferred from the Department for Work and Pensions to local areas instead.

Funding from the ESF has kick started skills and employment projects worth millions of pounds across the country, including in Essex, Warwickshire, West Yorkshire and Gloucestershire.

What’s happening inside the LGPS? image

What’s happening inside the LGPS?

Get the most informed take on the challenges and opportunities that substantial reform will bring at this year’s PLSA Local Authority Conference.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner